What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat sailing yacht?
To charter a sailing yacht in Greece you must hold a qualified skipper licence – day skipper competent level (from a recognised body) or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) as a skipper – and have adequate sailing experience. You should also have a co-skipper at competent crew certificate level or with appropriate experience. If no such certificates are issued in your home country, you should hire a professional skipper.
Why to hire a professional skipper?
We highly recommend you to hire a professional skipper for your sailing cruise. Even if you are experienced sailor, you may still require the services of a professional skipper to make your cruise more relaxing and benefit from the skipper’s local knowledge. Skipper’s fee per day isfixed and stated on the price list, regardless of the number of people on board. Please remember that the professional skipper needs to be provided with his own cabin and food, as he is obliged to sleep on board.
What about security deposit?
A refundable security deposit depending on the size of the yacht, has to be paid to us (cash, credit card) prior to departure, which will be refunded at the end of the cruise as far as no damage/loss has occurred to the yacht and equipment. Personal checks of any kind are not acceptable. Security deposits depend on size & model type.
Do I need to leave a security deposit when I hire a skipper?
If you are chartering with a skipper provided by us, the skipper is not responsible for all damages aboard. He is personally responsible for any accidental damages he causes to the yacht by his negligence. However, any damage or loss, caused by the client aboard is the client’s responsibility – for example, blocking the toilet, causing a fire whilst cooking, damages while using the dingy on their own etc.
In case I want to cancel my sailing boat charter?
If you are thinking of canceling your booking, please contact us. Maybe we can reschedule your booking. In the unfortunate case you have to cancel your booking, the following terms apply. For bookings cancelled between 90 and 60 days prior to embarkation, 30% of the total cost of the charter is charged. For bookings cancelled between 60 and 30 days prior to embarkation, 50% of the total cost of the charter is charged. For bookings cancelled less than 30 days prior to embarkation, 100% is charged. The cancellation fee, less the administration fee (300 EUR), will be refunded, if the boat is rechartered for the same period under the same conditions.
Should I have travel insurance?
As with any vacations, we strongly recommend that your sailing trip be insured against any unforeseen circumstances.
What if I wish to embark and disembark from different bases?
The boat’s base is Volos. Although it may be possible to alter this, subject to availability but you will be charged an additional cost. The cost varies according to the distance between the two bases. For instance Volos- Sporades costs 150€ and Volos-Athens costs 600€.
When do charters begin and end?
All charters begin at 17:00 on the day of departure (normally Saturdays) and typically end at 09:00 on the day of arrival (normally Saturdays). However you will be kindly asked to return to base on the last evening of your charter (normally Friday evening). We require this time between charters to do the necessary cleaning/maintenance/service on the vessels.
What happens during check-in?
Check-in normally starts at 18:00. However, sometimes it is possible to arrange for an earlier or later check-in. The check-in is the procedure for the client to become acquainted with the yacht. Our staff will come aboard your yacht during your check-in to go through the inventory with you, so that you can satisfy yourself with the condition of the yacht and its equipment and make sure that everything is there as per the inventory checklist.
What happens during check-out?
The check-out is a similar procedure to the check-in. Our staff will come aboard and check the yacht with you for any damage or loss before your disembarkation. If there has been no damage or loss, we will instruct our bank to release the amount that is being held as a security deposit against your credit card. You should receive your security deposit back within 15 days following your check-out. At check-out, the fuel tank (which was full at the start of your charter) will also be checked and you will be required to pay only for the amount of fuel that you have used at the end of your charter.
Are the yachts insured?
All yachts are insured against damage to hull and deck, machinery and/or equipment. Third party liability is also covered. Nevertheless, personal accidents while on board are not covered and clients have to arrange extra for this kind of coverage.
Are the yachts equipped with safety equipment?
All yachts are equipped with full safety and navigation equipment, according to Greek Maritime Law, including sufficient life jackets, flares, first aid kit, VHF, GPS, life raft, autopilot, EPIRB, navigation charts and pilot book for the region.
What should I bring with me?
Luggage It is better to travel light with flexible, soft luggage. Avoid big hard trolley suitcases.
Sunglasses At least two pair of sunglasses with a cord to avoid loss.
Skin protection The sun in the summer is especially strong, and therefore a good sunscreen lotion is necessary. Avoid oily, greasy applications, which are slippery and pose a danger on board. You might also need after sun lotion.
Medication Prescription or other medications should be brought in quantities to last the duration of your vacation.
Clothing For while sailing, casual comfortable clothes are best. Bring at least two bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts and lightweight cotton slacks, jeans and shirts. In April and May and from mid-September through October, evenings or even daytime can be chilly, so bring a warm sweater or sweatshirt and a light jacket or windbreaker.
Head protection For protection against a sunstroke, bring a hat, or a cap.
Footwear Comfortable non marking footwear or deck shoes are a must. Wear standard shoes for on-shore use only.
Foul weather gear This is optional and is randomly required. Light rainwear however is advisable.
Towels
Music Every yacht is equipped with a sound system, but feel free to bring your own portable speaker so you can enjoy your favorite music anywhere.
Phone chargers Every yacht is equipped with 12V USB chargers for your devices. 220V will be available while connected on shore power or in yachts equipped with a generator.
Sports Gear Although every yacht provides snorkeling gear, we suggest that lovers of underwater activities bring their own snorkel and mask, activity cameras, fishing gear etc. You can also ask us to rent you a puddle board or sea kayak.
Is smoking allowed on yachts?
For safety reasons and keeping the interior clean, smoking is not allowed below decks.
Does my mobile phone work in Greece?
As of June 1st 2017, all EU subscribers who travel in European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, enjoy their communication without any concerns for roaming charges, when using their mobile phone. Non EU mobile phones which have GSM do work with roaming charges (Check with your provider).
Are credit cards accepted on the islands?
Most major credit cards are accepted on the islands. Most of the main island ports have ATM machines.
Can I bring my pet?
Not all of our yachts do permit guests to bring pets on board, please ask us in advance.
What happens if I have a problem during my charter?
Definitely call us! Any time! We will provide you with our mobile numbers prior to your departure make sure when you call us you know your location and try to describe the problem as thoroughly as possible. We have technicians with whom we cooperate in nearly every port.
Do harbors in the islands have moorings?
Most islands do not have mooring lines. You need to drop anchor and dock stern to “med-style”.
What if we arrive at the embarkation base late?
For late arrivals at the embarkation base (after 19:00 hours) please contact us to make the appropriate arrangements.
How do I provision and can I find provisions anywhere?
All main ports have supermarkets close by which can even deliver your provisioning to the yacht. If you are short of time we can provision for you if you provide us with your shopping list prior to your arrival. Do not overbuy food the first day as you can always shop to your needs later in the week. Allow at least 2 liters of bottled water per person per day.
What does the standard equipment on all sailing yachts include?
Each one of our vessels is fully equipped for charter. For further information please check individual Inventory lists.